This is an eclectic blog in which I discuss whatever in the world happens to be on my mind today.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Say hello to my leetle friend!

The American green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) is a common backyard amphibian that is found throughout the central and southeastern United States. They seem to be especially common in my yard. I can hardly turn over a leaf or a rock without encountering one. Indeed, there's even one that joins me on my patio.

My favorite spot to sit on my patio is in a canopied swing where I can view most of my backyard and keep an eye on what is happening there. As it happens, it is the favorite spot of this little guy as well. He's found a perch on the bar that supports the swing - between the metal bar and canvas canopy. It's a warm and well-hidden spot, just the right size for a little green frog. I probably would never have known he was there, but a couple of days ago while I was sitting in my spot, he decided to start "singing". Of course, I got up to see what was making all that noise and there he was! I've seen him there every day since then.

But the little green frogs might turn up anywhere in the yard these days. For example, sunning on a crinum leaf.

Or even well tucked in between the petals of an amaryllis blossom. This is actually a picture from last spring, but the amaryllises are beginning to bloom, so I'm keeping my eye open for another photo op for Kermit!

The feral cats that I've been caring for are a problem with the lizards as well, especially the green anoles, some of my favorite garden critters. But they don't seem to bother the frogs - at least so far.

I love those little guys. I found one on the hose reel the other day and I picked him up so I could move him and use the hose without injuring him. I was surprised he sat on my hand for a minute until I put him in the jasmine.